UW Art Museum Hosts Annual Holiday Events

November 19, 2013 — Start the holiday season with tree auctions, music and
refreshments during the 21st annual “Festival of Trees” and “Happy Holidays,
Laramie!” celebrations Thursday, Dec. 5-Saturday, Dec. 7, at the University of
Wyoming Art Museum. All events are free and open to the public.

The “Festival of Trees” and silent auction, scheduled from
6-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, will feature more than 25 trees and holiday items
decorated by members of the community. During the lighting of the trees, there will
be music, refreshments
and an opportunity to vote for the “People’s
Choice Award” tree. Attendees also may place advance bids on their favorite tree in the silent
auction.

The auction continues Friday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m.-5
p.m. and ends on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 2:30 p.m. during “Happy Holidays,
Laramie!” Bidders do not need to be present to win. All proceeds benefit museum
programs and children’s art classes.

“Happy Holidays, Laramie!,” from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday,
Dec. 7, features musical performances by school and community groups as well as refreshments and
the announcement of the “People’s Choice Award” winner.

Children
are invited to have their picture taken with Santa Claus and create ornaments,
cards and other holiday decorations in the Shelton Studio.

“This event is our premier community celebration,” says
Wendy Bredehoft, the museum’s education curator. “It is a time when entire
families come together to enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays and the
creative talents of so many, which are exhibited in the student artwork, the
musical performances and the decorated trees.”

“Imagine learning from the masters” is a guiding
principle of the UW Art Museum’s programs. Located in the Centennial Complex at
2111 Willett Drive in Laramie, the museum is open Monday through Saturday from
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.